Separatists abduct 30 villagers

Separatists abduct 30 villagers

JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: Guerrillas from the Free Papua Movement have reportedly abducted 30 residents of Akcan village, Merauke regency, and headed for the Papua New Guinea border.

Quoting sources at the Trikora military command, Antara reported yesterday the abduction is part of a rebel campaign in the area, which began on Nov. 8 and has since resulted in the death of one soldier.

According to the Ministry of Public Works' provincial office, two of those abducted from the village were Panudiyanto and Riyanto, both employees of the public works office. They were conducting a survey for the construction of a trans-Irian road.

The fate of all 30 is still unknown.(mds)